Astros top 50 moments: Cuellar, Staub deals earn bad reputation

Astros writer Steve Campbell put together the list of the top 50 Astros from the first 50 years of the franchise. A quick explanation of the selection criteria: To qualify, a player had to put in at least three full seasons. Managing the team and doing so successfully, as was the case with Larry Dierker and Phil Garner, counts for something. We tried to strike a balance between longevity and peak impact, but it ultimately is a subjective call. Either that, or we could just sort players by career Wins Above Replacement and call it a day. less

Astros writer Steve Campbell put together the list of the top 50 Astros from the first 50 years of the franchise. A quick explanation of the selection criteria: To qualify, a player had to put in at least ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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About WAR: From this vantage point, it's a useful tool that isn't an infallible end-all. While WAR attempts to account for defensive value and the difficulty of a position, the defensive metrics in place are still suspect. WAR tends to place little value on relief pitching, and it's up for question whether the system properly weights the worth of a pitcher vs. a position player. With those disclaimers in place, we bring you 50 Greatest Astros from the first 50 seasons: less

About WAR: From this vantage point, it's a useful tool that isn't an infallible end-all. While WAR attempts to account for defensive value and the difficulty of a position, the defensive metrics in place are ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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<b>50. Danny Darwin, RHP (1986-1990, 1996)</b>
47-32 with a 3.21 ERA in 769.0 IP, with 543 Ks, an ERA+ of 113 and 12.5 Wins Above Replacement.
Dr. Death went 11-4 with 2.21 ERA in 1990, eking out just enough innings (162 2/3) to win National League ERA title. less

<b>50. Danny Darwin, RHP (1986-1990, 1996)</b>
47-32 with a 3.21 ERA in 769.0 IP, with 543 Ks, an ERA+ of 113 and 12.5 Wins Above Replacement.
Dr. Death went 11-4 with 2.21 ERA in 1990, eking out just ... more

Photo: Howard Castleberry / Houston Chronicle

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<b>49. Brad Ausmus, C (1997-1998, 2002-2008)</b>
.246/.318/.327 batting line with 41 HRs, 386 RBIs, 415 Rs, 51 SBs and 6.8 Wins Above Replacement in 1,259 games.
The WAR metric does a poor job of measuring a catcher's defensive contributions; stabilizing influence for a lot of good Astros teams. less

<b>48. Carlos Lee, OF-1B (2007-2011)</b>
.286/.338/.486 with 128 HRs, 504 RBIs, 352 Rs, 26 SBs and 6.7 Wins Above Replacement in 749 games.
No, he wasn't worth the $100 million contract, and his defense leaves something to be desired, but his offensive production has been in line with what he'd done before he arrived in Houston. less

<b>47. Turk Farrell, RHP (1962-1967)</b>
53-64 with a 3.42 ERA in 1,015 IP, with 694 Ks, an ERA+ of 100 and 18.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Had thankless task of pitching for expansion team (10-20 in 1962), but ranks nine in career WAR among Astros pitchers. less

<b>47. Turk Farrell, RHP (1962-1967)</b>
53-64 with a 3.42 ERA in 1,015 IP, with 694 Ks, an ERA+ of 100 and 18.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Had thankless task of pitching for expansion team (10-20 in 1962), ... more

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<b>46. Luis Gonzalez, OF (1990-1995, 1997)</b>
.266/.335/.417 batting line with 62 HRs, 366 RBIs, 344 Rs, 63 SBs and 13.5 Wins Above Replacement in 745 games.
Unspectacular in his 20s, became a breakout star in his 30s with Diamondbacks. less

<b>45. Derek Bell, OF (1995-1999)</b>
.284/.341/.430 line with 74 HRs, 444 RBIs, 386 Rs, 102 SBs and 11.1 Wins Above Replacement in 683 games.
Erratic player who posted batting averages of .334, .263, .276, .314 and .236 in five seasons with Astros, twice driving in more than 100 and twice driving in fewer than 75. less

<b>44. Jim Deshaies, LHP (1985-1991)</b>
61-59 with a 3.67 ERA in 1,102 IP, with 731 Ks, an ERA+ of 97 and 12.0 Wins Above Replacement.
Had four-year run (1986-89) where he went 49-35 with 3.36 ERA and helped team win a division title. less

<b>44. Jim Deshaies, LHP (1985-1991)</b>
61-59 with a 3.67 ERA in 1,102 IP, with 731 Ks, an ERA+ of 97 and 12.0 Wins Above Replacement.
Had four-year run (1986-89) where he went 49-35 with 3.36 ERA and ... more

Photo: AP

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<b>43. Bob Knepper, LHP (1981-1989)</b>
93-100 with a 3.66 ERA in 1,738 IP, with 946 Ks, an ERA+ of 94 and 10.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Soft-tossing lefty went 47-35 with 3.29 ERA from 1984-86, fell off to 8-17, then bounced back to go 14-5 in 1988. less

<b>43. Bob Knepper, LHP (1981-1989)</b>
93-100 with a 3.66 ERA in 1,738 IP, with 946 Ks, an ERA+ of 94 and 10.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Soft-tossing lefty went 47-35 with 3.29 ERA from 1984-86, fell off to ... more

Photo: Timothy Bullard / Houston Chronicle

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<b>42. Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (2005-2011)</b>
73-75 with 4.07 ERA in 1,176 IP, with 1,004 Ks, an ERA+ of 102 and 10.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Crafty lefthander has spent his career pitching for a run-starved team. less

<b>42. Wandy Rodriguez, LHP (2005-2011)</b>
73-75 with 4.07 ERA in 1,176 IP, with 1,004 Ks, an ERA+ of 102 and 10.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Crafty lefthander has spent his career pitching for a run-starved ... more

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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<b>41. Phil Garner, 3B-2B (1981-1987)</b>
.260/.323/.389 batting line with 49 HRs, 320 RBIs, 337 Rs, 68 SBs and 10.9 Wins Above Replacement in 753 games.
Contributor for 1986 division champions and managed 2005 World Series team and 2004 National League runner-ups. less

<b>40. Michael Bourn, OF (2008-2011)</b>
.271/.337/.359 batting line with 11 HRs, 134 RBIs, 302 Rs, 193 SBs and 9.6 Wins Above Replacement in 541 games.
Won two Gold Gloves, made an All-Star team and led league in stolen bases in 2008, 2009 and 2010. less

<b>40. Michael Bourn, OF (2008-2011)</b>
.271/.337/.359 batting line with 11 HRs, 134 RBIs, 302 Rs, 193 SBs and 9.6 Wins Above Replacement in 541 games.
Won two Gold Gloves, made an All-Star team and led ... more

Photo: Patrick T Fallon / Houston Chronicle

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<b>39. Kevin Bass, OF (1982-1989, 1993-1994)</b>
.278/.330/.423 batting line with 87 HRs, 468 RBIs, 465 Rs, 120 SBs and 15.7 Wins Above Replacement in 1,122 games.
Switch hitter made All-Star team and finished seventh in Most Valuable Player voting in 1986, hitting .311 with 20 HRs and 22 SBs. less

<b>38. Denis Menke, SS (1968-1974)</b>
.266/.335/.374 batting line with 30 HRs, 282 RBIs, 269 Rs, 17 SBs and 10.6 Wins Above Replacement in 634 games.
Didn't have a lot of range, but was productive offensive player who drive in 90-plus runs and made All-Star team in 1969 and 1970. less

<b>37. Hunter Pence, OF (2007-2011)</b>
.290/.338/.479 batting line with 103 HRs, 377 RBIs, 353 Rs, 61 SBs and 9.8 Wins Above Replacement in 680 games.
Tenacious, unorthodox fan favorite who made two All-Star appearances for a team that was on its way down when he arrived. less

<b>35. Rusty Staub, OF (1963-1968)</b>
.273/.346/.396 batting line with 57 HRs, 370 RBIs, 297 Rs, 8 SBs and 13.1 Wins Above Replacement in 833 games.
Unfortunately for Astros, he had 1,924 of his hits, 235 of his HRs and 1,096 of his RBIs after they traded him for Jack Billingham, Skip Guinn and $100,000. less

<b>34. Andy Pettitte, LHP (2004-2006)</b>
37-26 with a 3.38 ERA in 519.2 IP, 428 Ks, an ERA+ of 129 and 7.5 Wins Above Replacement.
A force on 2005 World Series team, going 17-9 with 2.39 ERA and fifth-place finish in Cy Young Award voting. less

<b>34. Andy Pettitte, LHP (2004-2006)</b>
37-26 with a 3.38 ERA in 519.2 IP, 428 Ks, an ERA+ of 129 and 7.5 Wins Above Replacement.
A force on 2005 World Series team, going 17-9 with 2.39 ERA and ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>33. Wade Miller, RHP (1999-2004)</b>
58-39 with a 3.87 ERA in 769 IP, with 659 strikeouts, an ERA+ of 117 and 13.6 Wins Above Replacement.
Had stellar run from 2001-03, going 45-25 with 3.61 ERA that translated into ERA+ of 124. less

<b>33. Wade Miller, RHP (1999-2004)</b>
58-39 with a 3.87 ERA in 769 IP, with 659 strikeouts, an ERA+ of 117 and 13.6 Wins Above Replacement.
Had stellar run from 2001-03, going 45-25 with 3.61 ERA that ... more

Photo: Christobal Perez / Houston Chronicle

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<b>32. Ken Caminiti, 3B (1987-1994, 1999-2000)</b>
.264/.330/.402 batting line with 103 HRs, 546 RBIs, 496 Rs, 48 SBs and 15.4 Wins Above Replacement in 1,085 games.
Made first All-Star team in 1994 with Astros and was MVP two seasons later with San Diego Padres. less

<b>31. Steve Finley, OF (1991-1994)</b>
.281/.331/406 batting line with 32 HRs, 186 RBIs, 301 Rs, 110 SBs and 14.0 Wins Above Replacement in 557 games.
Standout defender who won six Gold Gloves after leaving Astros, who shipped him and Ken Caminito to the Padres in a deal that brought back Derek Bell, Doug Brocail and the wrong Pedro Martinez. less

<b>30. Mike Cuellar, LHP (1965-1968)</b>
37-36 with a 2.74 ERA in 700.1 IP, with 557 Ks, an ERA+ of 119 and 15.4 Wins Above Replacement.
Crafty lefthander best remembered for what he did after Astros traded him to Baltimore Orioles for Curt Blefary (125-63 with a Cy Young from 1969-74). less

<b>30. Mike Cuellar, LHP (1965-1968)</b>
37-36 with a 2.74 ERA in 700.1 IP, with 557 Ks, an ERA+ of 119 and 15.4 Wins Above Replacement.
Crafty lefthander best remembered for what he did after Astros traded ... more

Photo: AP

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<b>29. Morgan Ensberg, 3B (2007-2007)</b>
.266/.367/.475 batting line with 105 HRs, 335 RBIs, 323 Rs, 22 SB and 12.2 Wins Above Replacement in 673 games.
Was most productive everyday player on 2005 team that reached World Series, bashing 36 HRs, driving in 101 and finishing fourth in Most Valuable Player voting. less

<b>25. Dickie Thon, SS (1981-1987)</b>
.270/.329/.396 batting line with 33 HRs, 172 RBIs, 226 Rs, 94 SBs and 14.4 Wins Above Replacement in 566 games.
Was coming off a seventh-place MVP finish in 1983 (at age 25) when he got beaned by Mets' Mike Torrez early the next season and was never the same. less

<b>24. Mike Hampton, LHP (1994-1999, 2009)</b>
76-50 with a 3.59 ERA in 1,138 IP, with 767 Ks, an ERA+ of 114 and 13.8 Wins Above Replacement.
By far his best season was 1999, when he went 22-4 (NL-leading .846 wining percentage) with 2.90 ERA and finished second in Cy Young voting. less

<b>24. Mike Hampton, LHP (1994-1999, 2009)</b>
76-50 with a 3.59 ERA in 1,138 IP, with 767 Ks, an ERA+ of 114 and 13.8 Wins Above Replacement.
By far his best season was 1999, when he went 22-4 (NL-leading ... more

Photo: Julio Cortez / Houston Chronicle

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<b>23. Ken Forsch, RHP (1970-1980)</b>
78-81 with a 3.18 ERA in 1,493.2 IP, with 815 Ks, an ERA+ of 108 and 20.7 Wins Above Replacement.
Versatile sinkerballer won 12 games as starter for 1980 division-winning team and made 1976 All-Star team as reliever. less

<b>23. Ken Forsch, RHP (1970-1980)</b>
78-81 with a 3.18 ERA in 1,493.2 IP, with 815 Ks, an ERA+ of 108 and 20.7 Wins Above Replacement.
Versatile sinkerballer won 12 games as starter for 1980 ... more

Photo: Steve Ueckert / Houston Chronicle

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<b>22. Shane Reynolds, RHP (1992-2002)</b>
103-86 with a 3.95 ERA in 1,622.1 IP, with 1,309 Ks, an ERA+ of 107 and 17.9 Wins Above Replacement.
Steady control artist (2.1 walks per nine innings over career) had five double-digit victory seasons with Astros (including 19-8 in 1998). less

<b>21. Terry Puhl, OF (1977-1990)</b>
.281/.349/.389 batting line with 62 HRs, 432 RBIs, 676 Rs, 217 SBs and 26.1 Wins Above Replacement in 1,516 games.
An All-Star in 1978, one of the best players to come out of Canada. less

<b>21. Terry Puhl, OF (1977-1990)</b>
.281/.349/.389 batting line with 62 HRs, 432 RBIs, 676 Rs, 217 SBs and 26.1 Wins Above Replacement in 1,516 games.
An All-Star in 1978, one of the best players to come ... more

Photo: Courtesy of the Astros

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<b>20. Bob Watson, 1B-OF (1966-1979)</b>
.297/.364/444 batting line with 139 HRs, 782 RBIs, 640 Rs, 21 SBs and 25.8 Wins Above Replacement in 1,381 games.
One of the best all-around hitters in franchise history, his numbers got weighed down by the Astrodome. less

<b>18. Moises Alou, OF (1998-2001)</b>
.331/.408/.585 batting line with 95 HRs, 346 RBIs, 265 Rs, 19 SBs and 11.8 Wins Above Replacement in 421 games.
Packed a lot of productivity into his short, injury-ridden time with Astros, finishing third in 1998 MVP voting and batting .355 in 2000. less

<b>16. Billy Wagner, LHP (1995-2003)</b>
26-29 with 225 saves and a 2.53 ERA in 504.1 IP, with 694 Ks, an ERA+ of 171 and 17.6 Wins Above Replacement.
Made three All-Star teams as an Astro, finishing fourth in 1999 Cy Young voting (1.57 ERA, 39 saves, 124 strikeouts and only 35 hits allowed in 74 2/3 innings). less

<b>16. Billy Wagner, LHP (1995-2003)</b>
26-29 with 225 saves and a 2.53 ERA in 504.1 IP, with 694 Ks, an ERA+ of 171 and 17.6 Wins Above Replacement.
Made three All-Star teams as an Astro, finishing fourth ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>15. Roger Clemens, RHP (2004-2006)</b>
38-18 with a 2.40 ERA in 539 IP, with 505 Ks, an ERA+ of 180 and 15.4 Wins Above Replacement.
In only three seasons with Astros, won a Cy Young (2004), led the league in ERA once (2005) and helped team reach World Series. less

<b>15. Roger Clemens, RHP (2004-2006)</b>
38-18 with a 2.40 ERA in 539 IP, with 505 Ks, an ERA+ of 180 and 15.4 Wins Above Replacement.
In only three seasons with Astros, won a Cy Young (2004), led the ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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<b>14. Don Wilson, RHP (1966-1974)</b>
104-92 with a 3.15 ERA in 1,748.1 IP, with 1,283Ks, an ERA+ of 109 and 30.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Righthander had electric stuff, throwing two no-hitters, making one All-Star team (1971) and winning between 10 and 16 games in all eight of his full seasons in majors. less

<b>14. Don Wilson, RHP (1966-1974)</b>
104-92 with a 3.15 ERA in 1,748.1 IP, with 1,283Ks, an ERA+ of 109 and 30.2 Wins Above Replacement.
Righthander had electric stuff, throwing two no-hitters, making one ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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<b>13. J.R. Richard, RHP (1971-1980)</b>
107-71 with a 3.15 ER in 1,606 IP, with 1,493 Ks, an ERA+ of 108 and 22.4 Wins Above Replacement.
In his case, unlucky 13 is fitting: Finished among top five in Cy Young voting in three of his final five seasons, going 84-55 with 2.79 ERA before stroke ended his career. less

<b>13. J.R. Richard, RHP (1971-1980)</b>
107-71 with a 3.15 ER in 1,606 IP, with 1,493 Ks, an ERA+ of 108 and 22.4 Wins Above Replacement.
In his case, unlucky 13 is fitting: Finished among top five in Cy ... more

Photo: Mike Robinson / Houston Chronicle

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<b>12. Joe Niekro, RHP (1975-85)</b>
144-116 with a 3.22 ERA in 2,270 IP, with 1,178 Ks, an ERA+ of 105 and 24.0 Wins Above Replacement.
Franchise career victory leader had back-to-back 20-win seasons (1979, 1980) and won 17, 15 and 16 from 1982-84. less

<b>11. Mike Scott, RHP (1983-1991)</b>
110-81 with a 3.30 ERA in 1,704 IP, with 1,318 Ks, an ERA+ of 107 and 23.4 Wins Above Replacement.
Counting the playoffs, went 20-10 with 2.12 ERA and 325 strikeouts in 293 1/3 innings during his magical 1986 Cy Young season. less

<b>11. Mike Scott, RHP (1983-1991)</b>
110-81 with a 3.30 ERA in 1,704 IP, with 1,318 Ks, an ERA+ of 107 and 23.4 Wins Above Replacement.
Counting the playoffs, went 20-10 with 2.12 ERA and 325 strikeouts ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell / Houston Chronicle

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<b>10. Joe Morgan, 2B (1963-1971, 1980)</b>
.261/.374/.393 batting line with 72 HRs, 327 RBIs, 597 Rs, 219 SBs and 30.4 Wins Above Replacement.
Better than recognized at the time with Astros, blossomed into megastar after a blockbuster trade to Cincinnati Reds. less

<b>9. Nolan Ryan, RHP (1980-1988)</b>
106-94 with a 3.13 ERA in 1,854.2 IP, with 1,866 Ks, an ERA+ of 110 and 26.2 Wins Above Replacement.
On top of giving the franchise boost of credibility when he signed as free agent after the 1979 season, led league in ERA twice (1981, 1987) and helped Astros capture two division titles. less

<b>9. Nolan Ryan, RHP (1980-1988)</b>
106-94 with a 3.13 ERA in 1,854.2 IP, with 1,866 Ks, an ERA+ of 110 and 26.2 Wins Above Replacement.
On top of giving the franchise boost of credibility when he signed ... more

Photo: TIM JOHNSON / Houston Chronicle

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<b>8. Larry Dierker, RHP (1964-1976)</b>
137-117 with a 3.28 ERA in 2,294.1 IP, with 1,487 Ks, an ERA+ of 104 and 38.1 Wins Above Replacement.
First pitcher in Astros history to post a 20-win season (1969), ranks third on the franchise victory list and managed four division-winning teams (1997, 1998, 1999, 2001). less

<b>8. Larry Dierker, RHP (1964-1976)</b>
137-117 with a 3.28 ERA in 2,294.1 IP, with 1,487 Ks, an ERA+ of 104 and 38.1 Wins Above Replacement.
First pitcher in Astros history to post a 20-win season (1969), ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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<b>7. Jose Cruz, OF (1975-1987)</b>
.292/.359/.429 batting line with 138 HRs, 942 RBIs, 871 Rs, 288 SBs and 49.0 Wins Above Replacement in 1,870 games.
His speed and ability to spray line drives all over the field made him the consummate Astrodome player. less

<b>7. Jose Cruz, OF (1975-1987)</b>
.292/.359/.429 batting line with 138 HRs, 942 RBIs, 871 Rs, 288 SBs and 49.0 Wins Above Replacement in 1,870 games.
His speed and ability to spray line drives all over ... more

Photo: Julio Cortez / Houston Chronicle

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<b>6. Roy Oswalt, RHP (2001-2010)</b>
143-82 with 3.24 ERA in 1,932.1 IP, with 1,593 Ks, an ERA+ of 133 and 41.8 Wins Above Replacement.
Second on the Astros all-time victory list, won 20 games twice (2004, 2005), led league in ERA once (2006) and finished in top five of Cy Young voting five times. less

<b>6. Roy Oswalt, RHP (2001-2010)</b>
143-82 with 3.24 ERA in 1,932.1 IP, with 1,593 Ks, an ERA+ of 133 and 41.8 Wins Above Replacement.
Second on the Astros all-time victory list, won 20 games twice (2004, ... more

Photo: Julio Cortez / Houston Chronicle

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<b>5. Cesar Cedeno, OF-1B (1970-1981)</b>
.289./351/.454 batting line with 163 HRs, 778 RBIs, 880 Rs, 487 SBs and 49.4 Wins Above Replacement in 1,512 games.
Perhaps the greatest talent ever to wear an Astros uniform, with an all-around skill set former Astros manager Leo Durocher likened to that of Willie Mays, Cedeno made his fourth and final All-Star team at age 25. less

<b>4. Jimmy Wynn, OF (1963-1973)</b>
.255/.362/.445 batting line with 223 HRs, 713 RBIs, 829 Rs, 180 SBs and 44.4 Wins Above Replacement in 1,426 games.
The raw numbers he produced playing in a pitcher's era with hitter-unfriendly home parks (Colt Stadium, Astrodome) hid just how productive player he was. less

<b>4. Jimmy Wynn, OF (1963-1973)</b>
.255/.362/.445 batting line with 223 HRs, 713 RBIs, 829 Rs, 180 SBs and 44.4 Wins Above Replacement in 1,426 games.
The raw numbers he produced playing in a pitcher's ... more

Photo: Bill Clough / Houston Chronicle

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<b>3. Lance Berkman, OF-1B (1999-2010)</b>
.296/.410/.549 batting line with 326 HRs, 1,090 RBIs, 1,008 Rs, 82 SBs and 46.2 Wins Above Replacement in 1,592 games.
Of the switch-hitters in major-league history who have appeared in at least 1,000 games, only Mickey Mantle has a higher on-base percentage or slugging average. less

<b>1. Jeff Bagwell, 1B (1991-2005)</b>
.297/.408/.540 batting line with 449 HRs, 1,529 RBIs, 1,517 Rs, 202 SBs and 79.9 Wins Above Replacement in 2,150 games
Compelling Hall of Fame case, ranking 37th in history in WAR for position players and 38th in adjusted on-base-plus slugging, but bears stigma of having thrived during steroid era. less

The moment: Trading pitcher Mike Cuellar and first baseman/outfielder Rusty Staub within seven weeks of each other in the 1968-69 offseason.

The moment behind the moment: The winter of 1968-69 established the Astros’ and GM Spec Richardson’s reputation for making bad deals.

First came the Cuellar trade. The lefthander had been an All-Star in 1967 but slipped to 8-11 (although a 2.74 ERA) in 1968 at age 31. The team had several young pitchers on the way up — Larry Dierker, Don Wilson, Denny Lemaster and Tom Griffin — so perhaps the idea of adding young outfielder Curt Blefary from Baltimore was worth a chance.

All Cuellar did was go 23-11 his first season in Baltimore and share the Cy Young Award as the Orioles reached the World Series three seasons in a row. Cuellar won 20 games four times in his first seven seasons in Baltimore, where he got better run support and was part of a rotation that included 20-game winners Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and Pat Dobson.

“I think when he got to Baltimore, he wanted to be like those other guys,” Orioles Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson once said. “He wanted to win as many games as Palmer and McNally. He wanted the ball.”

As for Blefary, he hit .253 with 12 homers and 67 RBIs and was promptly traded in the next offseason to the Yankees for Joe Pepitone, who turned out to be a bust.
The Cuellar trade may pale in comparison with the Staub deal that January.

Coming off consecutive All-Star seasons, Staub was sent to Montreal for Donn Clendenon and Jesus Alou. Clendenon opted to retire rather than accept the trade. But rather than nullify the deal and wreck Montreal’s Staub promotions, commissioner Bowie Kuhn ordered the deal to stand and negotiations for substitute compensation to be conducted. The Astros eventually got Jack Billingham and $100,000 from the Expos.

Richardson and the Astros were concerned that Staub’s bad ankles might limit him in the future and were concerned about his weight. “When the triumvirate (Richardson, Harry Walker and Grady Hatton) got rid of me, they said I’d go up to 265 and be out of baseball in two years,” Staub would later say. “They were wrong.”
Instead, he finished with a 23-year career with 2,716 hits, 292 HRs and 1,466 RBIs.

“What that tells you,” Staub told the Chronicle in 1999, “is that the people who were making decisions for this franchise at that time were not very shrewd people.”
The same people who a few years later also traded away Joe Morgan, now in the Hall of Fame.